Edgecam Programs Matsuura 5-axis Launch Demo

Matsuura chose Edgecam to program their largest 5-axis machine at its UK launch demonstration events.

The Matsuura MAM72-100H has been designed and built for heavy duty machining of large billets, and to process geometrically complex components requiring sustained close tolerance accuracy.

A series of ‘Open House’ events at Matsuura’s UK headquarters in Leicestershire demonstrated how the MAM72-100H partners with the market-leading CNC software, Edgecam, to cost effectively machine large parts efficiently and accurately.

Edgecam created a special program incorporating 50% 5-axis simultaneous and 50% prismatic machining. Matsuura Applications Engineer Jon Tighe says: “I wanted a program for a part that drove the A-axis from 0 to 90 as one toolpath, demonstrating all 5-axes moving simultaneously. The toolpaths created in Edgecam for our series of demonstrations to the industry over a three week period, demonstrate the machine moving extremely quickly and extremely accurately. They fully utilise Matsuura’s high speed machining system and Fanuc’s TCPC 5-axis options.”

He says the Edgecam program also involves heavy roughing, tight profiling, engraving with smaller tools such as a 1.5mm bullnose, and prismatic machining. “There is some 3 + 2 axis machining, mainly in the roughing and cutouts at the bottom, along with using a 40mm u-drill to remove a substantial amount of material, and roughed out with a 32 mm rougher.”

Matsuura Marketing Executive Ian Michie says Matsuura and Edgecam have many mutual customers; manufacturers who program their machines with Edgecam. “There has to be ongoing and parallel synergy between the quality of both machine and software, and the interaction between the two in tailoring the solution to the individual customer is vital.

“The machine tool is only one component of a successful profitable process that Matsuura create for our customers – we always consider the best partner product solutions for our client’s process.”

Edgecam’s powerful 5-axis capability is designed to meet the demanding machining requirements of industries such as aerospace, automotive, medical, and oil and gas, making it the ideal software to program the MAM72-100H for such heavy duty machining.

The MAM72-100H is Matsuura’s largest 5-axis machine to date. It features a horizontally-aligned Matsuura Hi-Tech 12k BT50 spindle, 1000mm x 770mm load capacity, maximum component weight of 780 kg, and a standard magazine of 60 tools. There are also options for large capacity multi-pallet changers and FMS systems, and up to 360 tools. It has been designed, tested and refined to cut any material from cast iron and aluminium, through to titanium and exotics.